Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates announced that its air defenses successfully intercepted 15 missiles and 148 drones launched from Iran on Monday. This brings the cumulative total of interceptions to 174 missiles and 689 drones since the escalation began on Saturday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the UAE Defense Ministry detailed that the intercepted projectiles on Monday included nine ballistic missiles, six cruise missiles, and 148 drones. The ministry reported that since Saturday, a total of 174 ballistic missiles were detected, with 161 successfully intercepted, while 13 landed in the sea.

The ministry further explained that 689 Iranian drones had been detected, with 645 intercepted and 44 falling within UAE territory. Additionally, eight cruise missiles were detected and destroyed. The ministry also reported that three people were killed, and 68 others sustained minor injuries as a result of these attacks.

The UAE condemned the Iranian actions, describing them as a "blatant act of aggression" and a "flagrant violation of national sovereignty and international law." The attacks follow a large-scale offensive launched by the US and Israel on Iran on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of several top Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior military officials.

In retaliation, Tehran has conducted drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries that host US assets.